défensif

defensive

adjective deh-fahn-SEEF Rare

Usage Note

Défensif describes a posture, strategy, or attitude aimed at defending rather than attacking; it is used in sport (jeu défensif), military, and psychological contexts (réaction défensive). The feminine form is défensive; the noun la défensive means 'the defensive' as in 'être sur la défensive' (to be on the defensive).

Examples

"L'équipe a adopté un jeu très défensif."

Natural Translation

The team adopted a very defensive playing style.

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